Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim presenting the trophy
By P. Chandra Sagaran
Japan for the very first time lifted the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup after defeating Pakistan 4-1 on penalties.
The full-time score was 2-2 at the end of regulation time at the Azlan Shah Stadium here today (May 11).
The Samurais’ also won two awards after Takumi Kitagawa and Takashi Yoshikawai were named as the best goalkeepers.
Pakistan who last won the cup in 2000 did not go home disappointed as Waheed Ashraf Rana was picked as the Man of the Match.
Another award went to the team after Sufyan Khan was named as the Player of the Tournament.
Meanwhile, hosts Malaysia, who was the defending champion, finished fourth.
The new look team coached by Sarjit Singh lost 2-3 to New Zealand for the third and fourth placing tie.
However the homesters had a consolation when Azrai Abu Kamal won the top scorer award after he found the net eight times.
New Zealand’s goalkeeper George Enersen was adjudged as the Man of the Match between the two sides.
Canada, which ended at the bottom of the table, took the Fair Play Trophy.
South Korea finished fifth in the competition in which six countries participated.